Alabama Riverboat Captain Faces Assault Charge: In a surprising turn of events, the Alabama riverboat captain, Dameion Pickett, who endured an attack by unruly boaters, is now facing an assault charge. This charge, filed on October 26, originates from a complaint lodged by another individual involved in the brawl, Zachery Shipman. The melee, reminiscent of WWE-style chaos, unfolded more than two months ago on a dock.
Pickett finds himself charged with third-degree assault, with a court appearance scheduled for November 21. However, Montgomery officials emphasize that they did not initiate these charges against Pickett; rather, they regard him as a victim in the case. Shipman, one of the many charged in the incident, filed the complaint.
In a statement, the City of Montgomery and Montgomery Police Department clarified, “Neither the City nor the Montgomery Police Department filed these charges. The Montgomery Police Departments investigation only lists Mr. Pickett as a victim.”
The altercation initially involved a group of white boaters attacking Pickett, who is Black, and another white dock worker. The dispute escalated when the boaters refused to move their pontoon boat, hindering the docking of the Harriott II Riverboat.
Pickett, addressing investigators, expressed that he did not believe race played a role in the incident. Shipman, accusing Pickett of assault, claims he was trying to prevent his friend from getting involved in the fight.
The assault charge stems from the allegation that Pickett punched Shipman, as asserted by Pickett’s family. Nicole Pickett, Dameion’s sister, acknowledged the difficulty of expecting him to be fully aware of his surroundings in the chaotic moment, stating, “At that time, you got a bunch of angry a guys beating up on you in the head, you dont know who hit you. You just swing (in self-defense).”
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In recent developments, two participants in the brawl pleaded guilty to misdemeanors, with Richard Roberts sentenced to 32 days in jail and Mary Todd mandated to attend anger management courses. The legal saga surrounding this waterfront altercation continues to unfold.
Our Reader’s Queries
Did the Alabama riverboat captain get charged with assault?
The riverboat co-captain, Dameion Pickett, had an assault charge dropped in connection to a fight on Montgomery’s riverfront. Pickett, along with two others, appeared in court today. The NBC affiliate WSFA reported the dismissal of the assault charge.
Was riverboat Co-Captain charged with assault?
Dameion Pickett, the second-in-command of a riverboat for passengers, entered a plea of not guilty on Tuesday morning for a third-degree assault charge. The charge stems from an incident in August, where Pickett was attacked on the dock in Montgomery. Pickett made his appearance in court for the arraignment.
Was the captain charged in the Alabama brawl?
The co-captain of a Black riverboat involved in a dock brawl in Alabama has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge filed by a white boater. He entered the plea in Montgomery municipal court and his trial is set for January.
Who was the black co-captain charged with assault in Montgomery brawl?
On Nov, 10th, the Harriott II’s Black co-captain, Dameion Pickett, is set to appear in Montgomery municipal court to face charges of third-degree assault related to a riverfront brawl.